Mr Rajoy said the motion was “impulsive and impetuous”, and simply a bid for the opposition to swoop into power without a public vote. Opposition Socialist leader Pedro Sanchez initiated the vote on Mr Rajoy’s future, which takes place tomorrow, after the conclusion of a long-running corruption scandal, known as the Gurtel case.

A Spanish court found former officials who were a part of Mr Rajoy’s Popular party guilty of operating a slush fund – a reserve kept open solely for illegal purposes, commonly used in cases of political bribery. Despite the fact Mr Rajoy was not accused his testimony was deemed “not crediible” by the court.

Politicians are debating Mr Rajoy’s position today ahead of the vote, which could compound crisis with the euro – already battling falls due to Italy’s failure to secure a government. Defending himself in Parliament today, Mr Rajoy told Mr Sanchez: “According to you, I am the origin of all evils. Spain has problems, like any other country, but we are better thanks to the management of my party and my government, in addition to the effort of the Spanish people.”

Mr Rajoy insists it is his “intention” to “carry out the mandate granted by Spaniards” and serve out the remainder of his term until 2020.